Camping in Cody/Yellowstone Country

If you really want to experience the great outdoors in Cody/Yellowstone Country, there is nothing better than camping! From tents to large motorhomes, you won’t be disappointed in what the area has to offer. Options in the area include developed campgrounds in town with all the amenities to remote Forest Service campgrounds.  Don’t forget this is an economical way to vacation in Cody/Yellowstone Country. Campsites are inexpensive and preparing your own meals instead of eating out every day really cuts expenses.   Camping lets you reconnect with nature and each other. I love sleeping under the stars and the silence of the mountains. Waking up to amazing sunrises is one of my favorite parts of camping. And, it’s fun!

Cody

Cody has some wonderful campgrounds that are a perfect home base for all your adventures. Most can accommodate large motorhomes, have full hook ups and are close to in-town attractions. Cody’s peak travel season is May to September and all of the campgrounds are open during those months.  Rates typically run $28-$45, depending upon you camping preference.  There are several campgrounds between Cody and Yellowstone on the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway that provide some amazing scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities.  Many of these campgrounds are operated by the Forest Service in the Shoshone National Forest, the nation’s first national forest. These sites have a nominal fee. You won’t find hook-ups or other amenities but your surroundings will more than make up for a few days without modern conveniences.

Meeteetse

If you really want to get away and become one with nature, I recommend heading to one of Meeteetse’s campgrounds. You can camp at the campground in the quaint town and use it as your home base to explore the area. If you really want to get off the beaten path, you can head up to one of the Forest Service campgrounds in the Wood River area or up the Greybull River. These campgrounds only have a few spaces with no fees but donations are suggested. There are great opportunities to see wildlife at these campgrounds. If you want to explore even more, bring your horse!   The Jack Creek campground up the Greybull River has corrals and is located at a trailhead. It is your perfect base camp.

Yellowstone

Camping has long been associated with Yellowstone National Park. It is still a wonderful way to experience the Park. There are 12 campgrounds with over 2,000 sites. Seven of the campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis. The other five are operated by Xanterra and may be reserved up to one year in advance.  The Park Service campgrounds have tables, fire grills, drinking water, garbage cans and flush or pit toilets. The campgrounds operated by Xanterra have fire grates, restrooms with flush toilets and some tables accessible to persons with disabilities. The Fishing Bridge RV Park is the only campground with full hookups and is restricted to only hard-sided vehicles.  All of the campgrounds in Yellowstone have food storage regulations. Be sure you know what is required so you do not attract bears. The really adventurous may want to do some backcountry camping in Yellowstone. Permits are required.  There is a fee for advanced reservations. Reservations made up to 48 hours in advance are free and available at visitor centers and ranger stations.

Whatever your preference, there are lots of great opportunities for camping throughout Cody/Yellowstone Country.  Get a little closer to nature on your next trip to the area by camping. There’s something about a campfire that soothes the soul. Who can argue with s’mores!

Until next time, I’ll be lovin life in Buffalo Bill’s Cody Yellowstone Country,

Corrie N. Cody